Java: The Magic Elixir Of Life.

Many, many kudos to Ethiopia for first discovering the mystical powers of coffee in the 7th century. Although there are several legends detailing the proliferation of coffee after its initial discovery, we do know that it was used early-on for medicinal purposes as well as religious meditation. Over the centuries, it traveled from Ethiopia to India, from the city of Mocha to the island of Java, and from France to the Caribbean. Now if that doesn't put a drive to the coffee shop into perspective I don't think anything will.

Coffee Terms

• Coffea Arabica: The coffee tree initially in Ethiopia delivering what is considered "premium coffee"
• Coffea Robusta: Providing multiple crops per year, this coffee plant matures quickly resists disease, but its flavor is middle of the pack.
• Coffea Liberica: Hardy coffee plant used mainly for blending as it is considered the poorest in flavor.

Links

• Caribou Coffee
• Starbucks Coffee
• Boca Java Gourmet Coffee & Tea

References

• Italian Cook
• National Geographic
• Coffee Universe